The 46-year-old former champion will challenge 7-foot Russian giant Nikolai Valuev for the WBA crown on Dec. 20 at Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, arena management said.

Holyfield (42-9-2, 27 KOs) hasn't fought since losing a one-sided decision to then-WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov more than a year ago. Holyfield is winless in his last four title fights since beating John Ruiz for the vacant WBA belt in October 2000.